| ABOUT |

So, you may be wondering who or what is a CONCH HEAD. Simply stated, a "Conchhead" is someone who is a fan of Key West's carefree island lifestyle. "Conch Head" is the handsome little guy with the conch-shaped head who serves as Key West's unofficial mascot and as a reminder of Key West's nautical roots. That's it!

Maine is famous for its lobsters, Bermuda for its onions and Key West, known as "The Conch Republic," is famous for its conch. So often in Key West, you will hear conversations about conch. We speak of conch houses, conch fritters, conch trains, conch shells, conch talk, freshwater conchs, honorary conchs, etc. And, we also use the term to describe the people who were born in the Keys.

We invite you to vistit Key West and this site often to experience the best of America's Carribean Island.

CONCH HEAD History

By all accounts, the first CONCHHEADS landed in the Keys nearly 500 years ago. The day was Sunday, May 15, 1513 and the CONCHHEADS were Spanish adventurer Ponce de Leon and fellow explorer Antonio de Herrera. Their mission was to find the elusive Fountain of Youth. They never found the Fountain but they did discover countless other natural treasures.

Many other CONCHHEADS have called Key West their island home since 1513. And, whether famous --- like novelist Ernest Hemmingway, bird-chronicler John James Audubon, playwright Tennessee Williams or U.S. President Harry S. Truman --- or infamous, we all share a love for this little corner of paradise.

CONCHHEADS are adventurous, energetic and free-spirited. We visit Key West not just for the spectacular sunsets, stunning wildlife and aquatic activities, but for the colorful way of life embodied by our people.

Legend has it that the Fountain of Youth really exists somewhere in the Keys along with millions of dollars worth of sunken treasures. We hope you discover your treasure here.....

Join us on: